Key generator Stanwell Corporation has outlined its plans for transitioning to a renewable energy future, including new job descriptions for its coal-fired power plants.

At the Central Queensland Energy Futures Summit in Gladstone this week, Stanwell chief executive officer Richard Van Breda discussed the company’s plans to shift towards renewable energy and storage in the coming years.

Its portfolio includes the 1460MW coal-fired Stanwell Power Station at Rockhampton and 1843MW coal-fired Tarong power stations in the South Burnett region, as well as the Meandu coal mine that fuels the Tarong complex.

“Our Tarong and Stanwell power stations will continue to play an important role as Stanwell’s portfolio transforms,” Mr Van Breda said.

“We will operate our coal-fired power stations much more flexibly, in response to market requirements. This may include seasonal storage of our generating units, or placing units into standby mode so they can be quickly returned if the market needs them.”

Mr Van Breda said Stanwell recognised that the changes it had to make to its business would affect the futures of its people and its asset communities.

“We are taking early steps to bring our people, communities, unions and government together to put plans in place,” he said.

“These plans will help ensure that as we eventually retire our coal-fired assets from service, our people have choices in relation to retraining, redeployment and – where it is their preference – retirement.

“The plans our host communities develop in partnership with government, local councils, industry and advocacy groups will ensure the long-term economic resilience of their regions. While the communities themselves must own these plans, we will engage with them throughout the planning process, playing a supporting role and sharing our future plans.”

The company in February launched an expression of interest process to identify high-quality renewable energy projects based in Queensland that could be incorporated into its portfolio.

Related: Renewable energy opportunities bright for Rockhampton region

Last month Vast Solar and Stanwell Corporation announced a joint development agreement for the $600 million North West Queensland Hybrid Power Project.

The agreement includes funding for a $10 million feasibility study for the proposed dispatchable renewable energy project in Mount Isa.

Other initiatives include a partnership with Japan’s largest hydrogen supplier, Iwatani Corporation, to progress a proposed renewable hydrogen export facility in Gladstone.